Monthly Archives: October 2015

November usually signifies the change in weather and the days becoming shorter. With the lack of light hours it is understandable that we feel like we are going into hibernation, which can often leave us feeling depressed and tired. A simple way to keep the ‘light’ is lighting a candle when you first awake and also last thing at night. By taking a moment to gaze at the candle allows you a moment of relaxation, and can prepare you for the day or give you a moment of reflection at night time

PRACTICING WHAT I PREACH:

I am passionate that yoga practices should be used as a toolkit for life. Viparita Karani (supported inverted posture) is a posture that I often use after a busy day, long walk, after a long car journey or just when I need an extra boost quickly. As you can see in the picture I usually lie down at the side of the bed and rest my feet on the bed.

VIPARITA KARANI

The posture is very relaxing to the heart, allowing it to work without pressure. The lungs are also free to breathe deeply and without too much effort. The inverted position refreshes the heart and lungs with a good supply of blood. Core muscles need to be strong to support the lower back and legs in this position. Viparita brings about a sense of calm, stills the restless mind and peace.

Hiatus Hernia suffers should not stay in the position too long.

Create a platform of blankets, two or three carefully folded blankets. Blanket wide enough so that the edges reach the sides of your lower back.

Crouch with your back to the blankets. Gently lower your lower back onto the blankets with your head and shoulders on the floor in a supported bridge position.

Gently bend your knees towards the chest, making sure your hips are rested on the blankets. Slowly extend the legs into vertical position.

Relax your arms by your side letting the chest open and breathing freely.

Let the hips sink deeply into the blanket. The lower back is supported. There is always the option to tuck a cushions under your lower back when you are in the upright position to give added support.

Remain in this position for 10 to 15 minutes. If legs feel the strain bend the legs to release the tension.

When ready to come out of the posture simply bend your knees and return to supported bridge position, roll towards the side and gradually supporting yourself roll off the blankets.

Afterthoughts – you may need to experiment with the height of blankets to get the right support for you. Too low you will have to work hard to keep the legs vertical; too high your lower back will begin to hurt. Try not to tense the legs as they will tire quickly. With this inversion there is an increase blood supply to the face, which can enhance your hair and skin. When I was regularly practicing this position I received two comments that seem to confirm this, one was about my ‘glowing’ skin and the other from my hairdresser remarking on how thick my hair was now.

WHAT’S ON:

Missed the Om Yoga show in London! Why not make a date in your diary for Om Yoga Show in Manchester at the Event City, 20,21 & 22 May 2016.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

Peace – it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart. Unknown

Classes continue throughout November. No break now until Christmas. I had hoped to be able to offer an 8pm session before Christmas but this has been impossible due to other Christmas events happening. Sorry. My plans now look towards the New Year for a later session. Any new sessions will be posted on facebook.

New to Dru Yoga – Dru yoga is not a religion or a cult. You do not need to be a vegetarian or sit in the lotus position. Anyone that can breathe can do yoga. Based upon soft, flowing movements, controlled breathing and visualization, Dru yoga is both a graceful form of exercise and a potent means of stress relief. With its foundations set firmly in ancient yogic tradition, Dru yoga is a style that has been passed down through the generations. It works on the body and the mind, strengthening core stability and building a heightened feeling of positively and empowerment.

In this fast moving world Dru yoga works in contrast by slowing us down, both physically and mentally. The power of stopping possibly requires more energy and determination than faster forms of exercise. Performing these simple Dru moves and asanas with focus can dissolve physical, energetic, emotional and mental blockages. It’s not about how difficult the pose is, it is about how much awareness you bring to it.